System and method for recording and sharing music

ABSTRACT

A method includes the steps of electronically storing a plurality of songs on a server; allowing a first user to select one of the plurality of songs; allowing the first user to play the one of the plurality of songs and record a user-generated track while the one of the plurality of songs is playing; and saving the user-generated track on the server separate from the one of the plurality of songs. An electronic system that allows the first user to perform the method is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. national stage application of PCTapplication Serial No. PCT/US2012/029321, filed on Mar. 16, 2012, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/465,316, filed on Mar. 17, 2011, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for a third partyto record a musical track of a pre-recorded song and to mix other thirdparty tracks similarly recorded to form of cover version of thepre-recorded song.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generating and recording music with others is a popular pastime.Typically, however, in order for people to play or record a song, all ofthe people have to be in the same room at the same time. Even if one ormore of the musicians are unavailable while a song is being recorded,and those musicians can record their tracks later, musicians must stillcome to the same recording studio in order to record their tracks.

It would be beneficial to provide a system in which musicians are ableto record musical tracks on their own and combine them with other tracksto form a song.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention provides a method of recording music. Themethod comprises the steps of electronically storing a plurality oforiginal songs on a server at a first location; allowing a first user toselect one of the plurality of original songs from a second locationacross an electronic network; allowing the first user to play the one ofthe plurality of original songs at the second location and to record auser-generated track at the first location while the one of theplurality of original songs is playing; and saving the user-generatedtrack on the server at the first location separate from the one of theplurality of original songs.

Further, the present invention also provides a recording systemcomprising a server located at a first location. The server contains aplurality of original songs in a first database. The server iselectronically connected across an electronic network to a recordingsite. The server is adapted to simultaneously transmit one of theplurality of original songs across the network to the recording site andto record a track being played at the recording site to a seconddatabase in the server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description given below, serve to explainfeatures of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary configuration of asystem for recording and sharing music according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of file storage for the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) for a cover pageand login screen to access the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary GUI for a user information page for the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary GUI for a supplemental user information page forthe system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary GUI for a user's homepage for the system of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary GUI illustrating options for a user to record ormix a song using the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary GUI illustrating an exemplary method forselecting a song for a user to listen and record to according to thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the systemof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary GUI illustrating an exemplary method forselecting a song based on the name of the artist according to the systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a drop-down menu for selectingan artist according to the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a drop-down menu of songs bythe artist selected in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary GUI illustrating instrument options availablefor the song selected in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a timing graph for the songselected in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a countdown prior to beginningthe recording of a track for the song selected in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a list of previously recordedtracks for a particular instrument for the song selected in FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a list of a selected track foreach of a plurality of instruments previously recorded for the songselected in FIG. 11;

FIG. 16A is an exemplary GUI illustrating file locations of each of theselected tracks in FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is an exemplary GUI of a mixing board used to mix the tracksselected in GUI illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a timing graph for editing eachof a plurality of previously recorded tracks for a song;

FIG. 19 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a selected track of the tracksillustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a selected track to be editedfrom the tracks illustrated in FIG. 18

FIG. 21 is an exemplary GUI illustrating a portion of time of theselected track from FIG. 20 to be deleted;

FIG. 22 is an exemplary GUI illustrating selected tracks with a portionof a first drum track and another portion of a second drum track used toform the entire drum track;

FIG. 23 is an exemplary GUI illustrating audio effects and comments usedto mix the tracks selected in FIG. 22;

FIG. 23A is exemplary flowchart illustrating a method of forming a coversong according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an exemplary GUI illustrating financial information requiredfor user to use the system of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an exemplary GUI illustrating information provided to a userof the inventive system regarding other users' use of the inventivesystem;

FIG. 26 is an exemplary GUI illustrating another user's homepage;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary GUI illustrating an exemplary venue for concertsand songs generated by the inventive system;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary GUI of a stage used perform the concert at thevenue illustrated FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exemplary GUI the stage of FIG. 28, with avatars of theusers whose tracks are being played at the concert being displayed;

FIG. 30 is an exemplary GUI illustrating classified ads availablethrough the inventive system;

FIG. 31 is an exemplary GUI illustrating videos that can be generated byusing the inventive system;

FIG. 32 is an exemplary GUI illustrating artwork that can be saved toand downloaded from the inventive system

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of theinventive system;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of theinventive system;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of theinventive system;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of theinventive system; and

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of theinventive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.The embodiments described and illustrated below are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principleof the invention and its application and practical use and to enableothers skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

As used herein, an “original song” or a “master song” is a commerciallyavailable song that can be purchased from a mass media distributer, suchas, for example, iTunes, Amazon.com, or the like. An original song neednot necessarily be the first version of the song. For example, both theBeatles' version and Elton John's version of “Lucy in the Sky withDiamonds” both fall into the category of “original song,” even thoughthe Beatles originally wrote and recorded the song, and Elton Johnperformed and recorded his own version of the song. The original song,however, is the complete song and not a plurality of separate stemtracks that can be played simultaneously. A “cover song” is a song thatis compiled by a user of the inventive system by compiling tracks thatare recorded by himself/herself and/or other users of the inventivesystem. As used herein, a “track” is a recording of an instrument or avoice that can be combined with other tracks to form a song. In themusic recording industry, such a track may also be known as a “stemtrack.”

Referring in general to the Figures, a system 100 according to an aspectof the present invention includes a system and a method for allowingmusicians to play along with pre-recorded songs downloaded from a serverand to save their newly generated track for others to hear and/ordownload.

Referring to FIG. 1, system 100 includes a server 102 that hostselectronic versions of a plurality of pre-recorded songs 104 a-n bypopular artists in a database 106, where “n” equals the number ofrecorded songs 104 stored in database 106. Songs 104 a-n may be storedin MP3, iTunes, or other suitable format. Songs 104 a-n can becategorized according to title, recording artist, genre, decade in whichit was recorded (i.e., '60's, '70's, '80's, etc.), and other suitablecategories that enable songs 104 a-n to be cross-referenced andaccessed. Server 102 is accessible to third parties via electroniccommunication such as a website 103 on the Internet.

Referring to FIG. 2, each song 104 has a dedicated file 108 to whichsong 104 is assigned. Each file 108 includes a plurality of trackcategories 110 a-n, where “n” equals the number of categories. In FIG.2, “n”=10, although those skilled in the art will recognize that “n” canequal some other whole number. Each track category 110 represents a typeof track that is played on a specific one of songs 104. For example,track categories 110 can include a lead vocal track category 110 a, abackground vocal track category 110 b, a lead guitar track category 110c, a rhythm guitar track category 110 d, a bass track category 110 e, akeyboard track category 110 f, a drum track category 110 g, a horn trackcategory 110 h, a woodwind track category 110 i, and a miscellaneoustrack category 110 j, into which all tracks not fitting into any of theother track categories will be placed.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a user 120 accesses system 100 by going towebsite 103 and logging in to their account 122, which is stored onserver 102. User 120 can access website 103 via a computer 105, a cellphone 107, or other suitable means for accessing a website.

When user 120 accesses website 103, an exemplary GUI 1000, shown in FIG.3, appears, which includes a screen name block 1002 and a password block1004 that allow a user 120 to enter his/her screen name and password toenter the system 100. After user 120 has entered his/her screen name andpassword, user 120 can click on block 1006 to go to their homepage,which is shown in an exemplary GUI 1200 shown in FIG. 6.

Alternatively, if user 120 is a new user to system 100, user 120 canclick on block 1008 to open a new account. By opening an account ofsystem 100, user 120 becomes a “member” of system 100. The GUI 1000 canalso include a banner advertisement 1010 to advertise goods or servicesfrom a paid advertiser.

If user 120 is a new user with system 100, and clicks on block 1008, anexemplary GUI 1100, shown in FIG. 4, appears. GUI 1100 includes blocksfor user 120 to register with system 100, including blocks 1102-1114,which require identity and contact information for user 120. Block 1120requires user 120 to enter his/her e-mail address and block 1122requires user 120 to reenter his/her e-mail address to ensure itsaccuracy. Block 1130 requires user 120 to enter a screen name. In anexemplary embodiment, only one screen name can be registered per e-mailaddress. System 100 may include a filter that prevents vulgar languagefrom being used as a screen name. If the selected screen name isconsidered to be vulgar, or is already used, a notice (not shown) willbe provided to user 120 requesting that user 120 pick a new screen name.User 120 is prompted to create a screen name so that user 120 can remainanonymous to the remainder of system users if user 120 desires to do so.

After user 120 has selected an acceptable screen name, user 120 enters apassword into block 1140 and reenters the password into block 1142 toensure its accuracy. Additionally, block 1150 allows user 120 to uploadhis/her biographical information, along with photos and other personalinformation about user 120. Clicking on block 1150 generates anexemplary GUI 1160 shown in FIG. 5. Block 1152 allows user 120 tofreehand enter any information about himself/herself that he/she wishesother members of system 100 to see. Block 1154 allows user 120 todownload photos, and block 1154 lists all of the songs that user 120 hascontributed to through system 100.

Optionally, user 120 can link to his/her social networking page, such asfor example, Facebook, through block 1158. After user 120 has inputdesired information into blocks 1152 and 1154, user 120 can click onblock 1162 to return to GUI 1100. After user 120 has entered all ofhis/her information in GUI 1100, user 120 clicks on block 1144 to savethe information and to go to his/her homepage, which is shown in anexemplary GUI 1200, shown in FIG. 6.

GUI 1200 includes a label 1202 at the top of the page that lists theusername with the word “homepage.” GUI 1200 includes several blocks1204-1220 that allow user 120 to interface with system 100.Additionally, GUI 1200 includes a block 1222 that provides a spreadsheetlisting all of the tracks 122 that user 120 has recorded through system100. GUI 1200 also includes an instant messaging block 1230 that allowsuser 120 to instant message other users of the system 100. Additionally,GUI 1200 includes a mailbox 1240 that allows user 120 to send andreceive e-mails from other users of system 100 as well as theadministrator of system 100. GUI 1200 may further include banneradvertising 1250 at the top of GUI 1200.

Referring back to FIG. 6, in block 1206, user 120 can “go to studio” torecord a track 122 or to mix previously recorded tracks 122 a-n (where“n” is a number of tracks 122 that user 120 desires to mix to form acover song). Clicking on block 1206 generates an exemplary GUI 1700shown in FIG. 7, with drop-down boxes 1206 a for recording a track anddrop-down box 1206 b for mixing a track.

In an exemplary embodiment, user 120 can provide his/her own version ofan original song if the original song is not in database 106. User 120,however, must provide sufficient information about the original song sothat a different user can readily determine the original song and usethe original song in order to record his/her own track. Once user 120provides this information, system 100 is able to set up a dedicated file108 in database 106 for that original song. If, after user 120 recordshis/her track, and another user would like to record a track based onthe same original song, system 100 provides an indication to the otheruser at the original song is not in database 106, and the other usermust provide his/her own version of the original song.

If user 120 uses an original song from database 106, user 120 clicks onblock 1206 a, which generates an exemplary GUI 1800 shown in FIG. 8.Side bar advertisements 1450 can be displayed in GUI 1800 and can beselected to represent the type of goods or service that user 120 may bemore inclined to purchase based on the qualities of the avatar 1430. Forexample, if user 120 is a guitar player, top banner advertisements 1010and side bar advertisements 1450 may reflect guitar equipment orservices for sale. While top banner advertisement 1010 is illustrated inGUI 1000 in FIG. 3 and side bar advertisement 1450 is illustrated in GUI1800, those skilled in the art will recognize that 1010 and side baradvertisement 1450 can be shown in other GUI's displayed by system 100.

Referring to flowchart 1900 shown FIG. 8A, a brief overview of theoperation of one exemplary aspect of the present invention is provided.Step 1902 allows a user 120 to play a selected song from server 102 andto record a song track 122 across electronic network 103 at a secondlocation, such as, for example his/her home computer 105 while theselected song is being played. In step 1904, system 100 stores the songtrack on server 102 in a selected category 110 a from a plurality ofcategories 110 a-110 j. In step 1906, system 100 accepts an electronicpayment from user 120 prior to user 120 to select a plurality of songtracks 122. In step 1908, system 100 allows users 120 to select, fromhis/her home computer 105, a plurality of song tracks 1 to 2 fromdesired categories of the plurality of categories 110 a-110 n fromserver 102 and combine the selected tracks to form a user-generatedcover song at his/her computer 105. In step 1910, system 100 allows user120 to store the cover song on server 102 and to download the cover songfrom server 102. In step 1912, system 100 accepts a payment from user120 in exchange for allowing user 122 download the cover song fromserver 102.

GUI 1800 allows user 120 to select a song for recording based oncategories such as artist (by clicking block 1802), song title (byclicking block 1804), genre (by clicking block 1806), or song length (byclicking block 1808). Spreadsheet 1220 from GUI 1200 in FIG. 6 is alsodisplayed in GUI 1800. To select an original song for which to record acover track 122, user 120 can select one of blocks 1802-1808, whichgenerates a drop-down box, such as 1810 shown in an exemplary GUI 2000in FIG. 9. Drop-down box 1810 allows user 120 to type in informationabout the song, such as, for example, the name of an artist whoseoriginal song for which user 120 would like to record a track 122. Ifuser 120 has already recorded a track 122 based on an artist's originalsong, the name of the artist will also appear in drop-down box 1812 asshown in an exemplary GUI 2200 in FIG. 10.

User 120 can either type in the name of the artist or click on theartist's name. User 120 can select the artist by hitting “enter” afterthe artist's name or clicking on the artist's name, which will generatean exemplary GUI 2400 in FIG. 11, which provides a drop-down box 2401 ofsongs available by that artist on server 102. User 120 can scroll downthe list of songs and select a song by hitting “enter” when arrow 2402is over the box representing the desired song. The artist's songs can belisted alphabetically or, alternatively the songs can be listed byspecific album, with the artist albums listed in chronological order oftheir release date.

Other songs that user 120 has recorded from the selected artist appearin spreadsheet 1220. In an exemplary embodiment, spreadsheet 1220includes a first column 1222 entitled “song title”, which lists thetitles of the songs that user 120 has recorded from the selected artist.A second column 1224 entitled “date”, lists the date on which user 120last recorded a track for that song. If the number of songs inspreadsheet 1220 is larger than the size of the spreadsheet, a scrollbar1226 can appear on the right-hand side of spreadsheet 1220 to allow user120 the ability to scroll down the list of songs 122.

Similarly, user 120 can select block 1806, which will generate adrop-down box (not shown) illustrating a list of genres from which user120 can select. User 120 can alternately select block 1808, which willgenerate a drop-down box (not shown) providing ranges of song lengthssuch as, for example less than 2:00, 2:00-2:59, 3:00-3:59, 4:00 andlonger, etc. User 120 can select a desired range. Songs 104 in database102 that match the selected criteria appear in spread sheet 1220 andallow user 120 to select a desired song 104 from the list.

If, however, user 120 does not know the name of the artist or does notdesire to search by artist, genre, or song length, in GUI 1800 in FIG.8, user 120 can click on block 1804 for “song title”, which willgenerate a drop-down box (not shown) to allow user 120 to type in thetitle of the desired song. If the song is in the database 102, allvariations of the song that are in database 102 will be shown inspreadsheet 1220, along with songs having similar titles, in the eventthat user 120 misspelled the title or omitted a word in the title.

After user 120 has selected a desired song, user 120 can click on block1810 to purchase the song through the user's previously loaded account.Optionally, instead of having to pay for a particular song that user 120has already purchased, such as for example, through iTunes, user 120 canport the song from iTunes into system 100. This prevents user 120 fromhaving to pay for the same song more than once.

After user 120 has selected the song, system 100 can search the devicethrough which user 120 has selected the song (computer 105, cell phone107, etc.) and look for the song on that device. If the song is alreadyon the device and is in a format that indicates to system 100 that thesong was previously purchased (such as an iTunes suffix, etc.), system100 copies the song to the user's songlist without charging the user 120an extra fee.

After user 120 has purchased the desired song from drop down box 2401,an exemplary GUI 2600, shown in FIG. 12, appears. GUI 2600 lists thetitle 2602 of the selected song along with a plurality of buttons2604-2622 that correspond with tracks 110 a-110 j from FIG. 2. User 120selects the desired category from buttons 2604-2622 to which user 120desires to record.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in order to user 120 to record his/her track122, user 120 sets up his/her computer to record track 122. If user 120is using an electronic instrument, such as, for example, an electricguitar/bass 121 or keyboard (not shown), user 120 can plug the output ofthe instrument into an adapter 109 that in turn can be plugged into arecording device, such as, for example, a computer 105 or a cell phone107. For example, adapter 109 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB)outlet that plus into a USB port on computer 105. Adapter 109 transmitsoutput from the instrument directly into system 100.

Alternatively, if user 120 is using an acoustic instrument (not shown),such as, for example, an acoustic guitar, a plano, or drums, or issinging, a microphone 111 can be connected to adapter 109 and used torecord the acoustic instrument. Optionally, a plurality of microphonescan be connected to adapter 109 so that several instruments can berecorded simultaneously. For example, if user 120 desires to play anacoustic guitar and sing, two microphones 111 can be connected toadapter 109 to record both a guitar track and a vocal track.

In order to prevent the original song from “bleeding” into the recordedtrack 122 as user 120 records the track 122, it is desired that user 120wears headphones (not shown) so that the original song is played throughthe headphones and is not picked up by microphone 111.

As a part of system 100, adapter 109 can be sold separately to user 120.Adapter 109 can be a part of a kit to encourage membership to system100. For example, the kit can include adapter 109, one or moremicrophones 111, blank CDs and labels (not shown) to allow user 120 toburn his/her own cover songs, and a monetary credit for use with system100. Different kits can be packaged for different types of instrumentused. For example, a drum kit (not shown) may include microphonesadapted specifically for drums and for cymbals; a guitar kit (not shown)may include an effects pedal or box; and a vocal kit may include a vocalmicrophone.

It may be desirable, prior to recording a track 122, for system 100 toobtain a sample of the sound produced by user's instrument prior torecording. For example, system 100 may determine that the user'sinstrument may need to be tuned so that it is in tune with otherrecordings. System 100 may prompt user 120 to provide a particular noteor several notes to determine whether the user's instruments is in tune.If the instrument is not in tune, system 100 can prompt the user to tunethe instrument, or a particular part of the instrument, such as aparticular guitar string, up or down in order to gain proper tuning.Optionally, user 120 can initiate a tuning by clicking button 2630 onGUI 2600 in FIG. 12, which prompts system 100 to ask user 120 to play aparticular note and then instruct user 120 to tune the instrument up ordown depending on the quality of the mote played by user 120.

For an instrument that may be more difficult to tune, such as forexample, an electric keyboard, system 100 may automatically adjust thetuning of the instrument as the instrument is being recorded. Forexample, system 100 may prompt user 120 to strike an “A” note.Regardless of the actual note that is played, system 100 interprets anynote being played at that particular frequency as an “A” note. Further,user 120 can be prompted to play a chord, which can be saved by system100 as the particular chord that was prompted.

This way, all tracks recorded by users will be in tune with the originalsong so that tracks can be combined and will all be played back in thesame tune regardless of the tuning of each individual instrument whichtrack is recorded.

Prior to recording, system 100 queries the device (laptop, cell phone,etc.) on which user 120 plans to record and searches all input devicesfor the presence of a recording device.

For example, if user 120 is planning to record a rhythm guitar track,user 120 may electronically couple the output of the guitar directlyinto the device on which user 120 plans to record. User 120 may connectany electronic cord from the output of his/her guitar or guitaramplifier into a USB port on the recording device. Alternatively, user120 may plug a microphone into the microphone jack on the recordingdevice and play his guitar into the microphone. If system 100 can notdetect an external recording device, system 100 may default to aninternal microphone. If the recording device does not have an internalmicrophone, system 100 can display a message to user 120 that alertsuser 120 to plug-in a recording medium, such as a guitar cord or amicrophone, into the recording device. If system 100 detects a recordingdevice, system 100 displays GUI 2600 in FIG. 12.

When user 120 is ready to record, user 120 clicks on the appropriatebutton 2604-2622. For example, if user 120 desires to play rhythmguitar, user 120 selects “Rhythm Guitar” button 2608.

In order for user 122 be prepared for the start of the original song,system 100 provides a count off prior to playing the original song. Atimeline 3002 is generated for the original song and a separate timeline3004 is generated for the selected track as shown in exemplary GUI 3000in FIG. 13. Timeline 3002 includes an amount of time 3006 before thestart of the original song in order to allow user 120 to prepare for thestart of the original song.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in the exemplary GUI 3200 in FIG. 14,a visible counter 3202 may countdown seconds until the start of theoriginal song. Exemplary GUI 3200 shows counter 3202 at 5 seconds beforethe start of original song. Alternatively, if system 100 detects thespeed of the beat of the original song, the counter 3202 can beprogrammed to countdown in time with the beat of the song rather than apredetermined number of seconds.

A slider 3204 travels along timeline 3002 to give user 120 in indicationof how long the original song has been playing and how much time is leftin the original song. A first counter 3206 may count up the amount oftime that the original song has been played and a second counter 3208make countdown the amount of time remaining in the original song.

A slider 3210 travels along timeline 3004 in time with slider 3204 afterslider 3204 reaches a “time zero” marker 3212 that denotes the starttime of the original song. Track 122 begins recording contemporaneouslywith the start of song 104, even if user 120 does not begin playinguntil after song 104 starts playing. Further, track 122 records for thesame length of time as the duration of song 104 so that track 122parallels song 104.

For original songs that have a definitive ending, the recording of track122 ends at the end of the original song 104. For songs that have anending that slowly fades to zero volume, the slider 3210 continuesbeyond the end of the original song. For example, slider 3210 maycontinue for about 5 seconds beyond the end of the original song. Thisfeature ensures that user 120 has recorded track 122 sufficiently longenough to allow track 122 to properly fade along with the original song104.

System 100 can determine that an original song has a fadeaway ending bynoting a decrease in the output volume of the original song over a timetoward the end of the original song, such as about 10 seconds before theend of the original song. When user 120 mixes tracks for a song thatfades to an ending, system 100 will “fade” the volume of the trackstoward the end of the song.

Optionally, when user 120 selects an original song 104 for which he/shedesires to record a track 122, user 120 can “drop” the original of thetrack that user 120 desires to record. For example, if user 120 wants torecord a drum track 122 g, when user 120 is ready record to the song104, user 120 can click button 3220, “Click to remove correspondingtrack from original song.” If user 120 clicks on button 3220, originalsong 104 will be played without the corresponding original track.

When user 120 is ready to begin recording, user 120 can click on button3222, “Click to begin playing original song”, which begins the countdowndescribed above. User 120 then records track 122 by playing along withoriginal song 104. After recording track 122, user 120 is prompted tosave track 122 by clicking on button 3224. Only track 122 is saved indatabase 106 under category 110 d with a number that identifies aparticular track recorded for that original song, user 120's username,and the file date that user 120 recorded track 122. Track 122 is notsaved over top of the original song. Track 122 is saved in database 102with a propriety file suffix, such as, for example, “.cvr,” which canonly be read by system 100. This prevents user 120 from being able todownload any track 122 without purchasing the track.

Optionally, user 120 may be limited to the number of recorded tracksthat can be saved for a particular song or instrument category. Thisprevents user 120 from monopolizing a particular song. For example, user120 may be limited to eight tracks. If user 120 attempts to record aninth track for a particular song or instrument category, system 100 cangenerate a notice that user 120 must first delete one of the eightpreviously recorded tracks.

Before track 122 is saved, user 120 can listen to track 122 with song104 by pressing button 3226, “Click to Play Track.” System 100 playsback song 104 and track 122 simultaneously, so that the beginning oftrack 122 coincides with the beginning of song 104. This enables user120 to hear how his/her track 122 sounds with song 104. If user 120likes the way that track 122 sounds, user 120 can save the track byclicking on button 3224.

Alternatively, user 120 may want to listen to track 122 along withtracks made by other users of system 100, possibly, but not necessarily,including user 120. If so, user 120 selects button 3228, which in turndisplays an exemplary GUI 4000, shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustratesall of categories 110 a-j that are available for the selected song 104.User 120 selects a category 110 a-j by clicking on the category heading.A drop down box 4002 appears that shows all of the recordings for thatparticular track. The recordings can be in the form of a spreadsheetwith the recording number of the track in a first column, the usernameof the person who recorded the track in a second column, and the date onwhich it was recorded in a third column.

User 120 can search for a desired track 122 d in the selected category110 by typing in the track number, which represents the order in whichthat track was recorded for that category of song 104, a user name of aknown user of system 100, or the date on which the track was recorded inthe selected category 110. After user 120 types in the track number, theuser name, or the title, system 100 searches for the track 122associated with that information. If system 100 matches the searchcriteria with matching information in database 106, system 100 displaysall of the tracks 122 matching the search criteria.

Alternatively, user 120 can simply scroll down the list of tracks usingthe scroll bar 4004 illustrated in FIG. 15. When user 120 gets to atrack 122 that he desires, he clicks on that track, which ishighlighted, as shown in FIG. 15. User 120 can select multiple tracksfrom each category by clicking on the button listing the category nameafter user 120 has already selected at least one track from thatcategory.

If desired, user 120 can then go through other categories 110 a-j,repeating the process until all desired tracks 122 have been selected.In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in exemplary GUI 4100 FIG. 16,user 120 has selected track 68 from category 110 a (lead vocals), track79 from category 110 b (background vocals), track 121 from category 110c (lead guitar), track 50 from category 110 d (rhythm guitar), track 69from category 110 e (bass), and track 12 from category 110 g (drums). Anexemplary file arrangement of the selected tracks is illustrated inexemplary GUI 4200 shown in FIG. 16A.

Alternatively, if user 120 does not desire to individually select tracksto mix with his/her own track 122, user 120 can allow system 100 toselect tracks. For example, if user 120 has previously recorded a drumtrack, system 100 can randomly add vocals for the particular song.Alternatively, user 120 can set criteria for the selection of othertracks. For example, user 120 can select categories such as all-male,all female, US only, etc. User 120 can click on button 4104 to allowsystem 100 to display the categories (not shown).

After user 120 has selected all desired categories, user 120 clicks on“Mixmaster” button 4106 to mix the tracks together to form a cover song.After clicking on button 4106, an exemplary GUI 5100, shown in FIG. 17is displayed. GUI 5100 is a virtual mixing board that allows user 120 toadjust the relative sound levels of each of selected tracks 122 a, 122b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e, and 122 g to desired levels. Slider bars 5102can be manipulated up and down a scale to indicate relative volumes ofeach track. A scale 5104 on the left-hand side of GUI 5000 providesrelative numbers for volume adjustment.

Additionally, knobs 5106, 5108, 5110 beneath each scale can be adjustedto adjust the amount of treble, bass, and reverb, respectively, for eachindividual track. If the number of selected tracks exceed the numberthat can be displayed on the screen at one time, a slider bar 5112 canbe displayed at the bottom of GUI 5100 to enable user 120 to slide aslider 5114 on slider bar 5112 to see the scales for all of the selectedtracks. After user 120 has selected all of the sound levels for thedifferent tracks 122 a-n, user 120 can play all of the selected tracks.User 120 can select button 5120 to play all of the selected tracks 122with the original song. Alternatively, user 120 can select button 5122to play just the selected track(s) 122 to play without the originalsong. While user 120 is in the listen mode, an audible tone isperiodically generated by system 100 to be heard along with selectedtracks 122. The tone will frustrate user 120 from recording theplurality of tracks 122 with another device, such as a tape recorder, sothat user 120 cannot benefit from mixing his/her own cover song withoutpaying for it.

If, after listening to the song, user 120 would like to use a differenttrack or add additional tracks, user 120 can select button 5124, whichtakes user 120 back to GUI 4100, shown in FIG. 16. If user 120 desiresto remove a track, user 120 can click on that particular track and hitthe “delete” button on his/her keyboard interface. If user 120 decidesto add additional tracks from a particular track category, such as forexample, category 110 g for drums, user 120 can click on the button fordrum track 110 g again, which will keep the selected from track (in thisexample, drum track 12) at the top of the drop-down menu and allow user120 to select an additional drum track in the same manner as theoriginal drum track was selected.

When user 120 has added the tracks 122 that he/she desires to be part ofthe cover version of song 104, user 120 clicks on the “save cover song”button 5126 to save the song to database 102 in system 100. System 100takes the selected tracks and combines them into a file that is saved indatabase 102 under the title of the original song.

Additionally, if user 120 likes a first portion of one type of a trackand a second portion of another of the same type of track, user 120 can“splice” the desired portions of the two tracks together to form asingle track. For example, if user 120 is covering a song that is 3 min.and 20 seconds in length and user 120 likes the first 2 min. of aparticular drum track and the last minute and 20 seconds of a differentdrum track, user 120 can select both drum tracks and record them withthe other selected tracks. User 120 can then click on button 5128, whichgenerates an exemplary GUI 5200, shown in FIG. 18 and click button 5202to play the song with all of the selected tracks. The original song andall of the selected cover tracks will play and a timer 5204, shown atthe bottom of FIG. 18 will count, with a slider 5206 sliding along a“timer” track along with timer 5204 that indicates the amount of timethat the song has been playing. If user 120 desires to remove a part ofa track, user 120 clicks on button 5210, which highlights the firstcover track 5402, in this case the lead vocal track, as shown inexemplary GUI 5400 shown in FIG. 19. User 120 can scroll down the tracksuntil user 120 gets to the desired track to delete, in this case “drums(first track)” 5404. A slider button 5406 appears at the beginning ofthe timeline for the selected track. User 120 can click on slider button5406 and move slider button 5406 to a desired time, as shown inexemplary GUI 5600 shown in FIG. 20. User 120 can double-click on thedesired time to lock slider button 5406 in place. User 120 can then movethe slider button 5406 to a desired end time and then click on thedesired end time to select the length of time to be cut, as shown in GUI5700 in FIG. 21.

Similarly, as shown in an exemplary GUI 5800 shown in FIG. 22, user 120can select additional track, in this case “drums (second track)” 5802and repeat the process for deleting a portion of track 5802, resultingin a cover song that includes a first drum track for the first twominutes of the song and a second drum track for the remainder of thesong. After user 120 has selected the tracks, user can click on button5802 to return back to GUI 5100, shown in FIG. 17.

Additionally, an “Expert” button 5130 can be clicked to generate anexemplary GUI 6000, shown in FIG. 23. GUI 6000 displays a variety ofeffects that can be added during mixing of tracks. For example, soundeffects 6002-6006 such as animal noises, crashing waves, jet engines,etc. can be selected. Alternatively, other effects, such as guitarwah-wah pedals 6008 and the like can be selected. User 120 selects theeffect as well as the time duration of the effect through the song bymanipulating a slider 6010 on timeline 6012. Further, GUI 6000 includesa “tips and tricks” window 6020 that includes blog-style commentsgenerated by other system users for the particular song. For example,comments can include such comments as “song starts on “3””; “watch thebreak at 2:14”; “key change at 3:22”; and “add jet engine at beginningand end of song”. Additionally, a sub window 6022 at the bottom ofwindow 6020 allows user 120 to add his own comments for others to view.After user 120 has entered all of the desired effects, user 120 clickson the “Back to Mixmaster” button 5802, which reverts back to GUI 5100,shown in FIG. 17.

Alternatively, user 120 can select tracks 122 that form a cover song,but omit the track for the instrument that user 120 plays. User 120 canplay the selected tracks 122 and play along with his/her instrument.This allows user 122 “practice” the cover song, while being the onlyprovider of his/her particular instrument track.

In an exemplary embodiment, the original song has a time duration, suchas, for example, 3 minutes and 5 seconds, and each of the tracks 122associated with the original song has the same time duration, such as,for example, 3 minutes and 5 seconds, so that, when the original songand/or a selection of tracks 122 are played, each track 122 can easilybe synchronized with the original song and/or with each other during themixing process.

Alternatively, the original song has a start time and each track 122 hasthe same start time so that, during mixing, the start of the originalsong and/or tracks 122 can be synchronized. For example, if the guitarportion of a song begins at the start of the song and ends 3 minutes and10 seconds after the start of the song, but the vocal portion of thesong begins 20 seconds after the start of the song and ends 2 minutesand 50 seconds after the start of the song, the vocal track does nothave to be 3 minutes and 10 seconds long. The vocal track can be asshort as 2 minutes and 50 seconds long. Both the guitar track and thevocal track begin at the start of the song, with the vocal track beingbasically “dead air time” for the first 20 seconds until it is time forthe vocals to actually begin. Then, after the vocals end (in thisexample, 2 minutes and 50 seconds after the song begins), the vocaltrack can end.

Further, after listening to the selected tracks 122, user 120 can saveand purchase the cover song that was generated by the selected tracks122. User 120 presses “Save and Purchase Cover song” button 5126 on GUI5100 to purchase the cover song generated by tracks 122. System 100converts tracks 122 from the proprietary (.cvr) suffix to a commerciallyavailable suffix, such as, for example, .mp3 or .m4a, so that user 120can copy the song onto other electronic media. The song is saved in the“My tunes” box 1156 in GUI 1162 shown in FIG. 5. The song title can beprinted differently than saved tracks to distinguish a complete coversong from individual cover tracks. For example, although not shown, thesong title can be printed in bold text while the individual cover trackscan be printed in normal text.

While user 120 has been described as the party selecting and mixingtracks together, those skilled in the art will recognize that anythird-party user can select and mix tracks to form a cover song.Referring to FIG. 1, a third party user 131 can access system 100 viathe Internet 103 in order to select and mix tracks that were recorded byothers.

An exemplary flowchart 6050, shown FIG. 23A, illustrates an exemplaryflow of the operations of system 100. In step 6052, a plurality oforiginal songs are electronically stored on server 102 at a firstlocation, such as were server 102 is located. In step 6054, system 100except electronic payment across an electronic network 103, such as, forexample the Internet, and allows user 102, from a second location, suchas, for example the user's home, to select one of the plurality oforiginal songs 104 from the server location across electronic network103. In step 6056, system 100 allows user 120 to play one of theplurality of original songs 104 at the second location and to record auser generated track 122 on to server 102 at the first location whilethe one of the plurality of original songs 104 is playing. In step 6058,user 120 has the ability to save the user-generated track on to server102 point database within server 102 that is separate from the one ofthe plurality of original songs and to store the user-generated track122 in one of a plurality of predefined track categories 110 a-110 j.Next, in step 6060, system 100 allows a plurality of additionaluser-generated tracks 122 to be recorded onto server 102 and categorizedaccordingly in the plurality of predefined tracks categories 110 a-110j. In step 6062, system 100 accepts an electronic payment from user 120to allow user 120 to select at least one of the plurality of additionaluser hyphenated generated tracks 122 can be combined by user 122 formeda cover song. Instead 6064, system 100 allows user 122 download thecover song from server 102 across electronic network 103. Alternatively,in step 6066, instead of user 120 forming the cover song, system 100 canaccept electronic payment from an alternative user 120′ to allow thealternative user 120′ to select at least one of the plurality ofadditional user hyphenated generated tracks to be combined by thealternative user 120′ to form a cover song.

Referring back to FIG. 6, clicking on block 1218 generates an exemplaryGUI 6100, shown in FIG. 24. This allows user 120 to “load” money into auser account in a payment acceptance module 1903 (shown in FIG. 1)electronically connected to database 102 that can be used to purchasesongs, equipment, services, and other aspects of system 100. This allowsuser 122 make purchases without having to continually provide financialinformation. The user account allows user 120 to set a dollar limit onthe account so that user 120 does not overcharge the account.

User 120 can link his/her user account to a credit card or a bankaccount by known methods, such as for example, the methods used to setup a PayPal account. After user 120 has provided the requestedinformation in block 1902, user 120 can click on block 1904 to return tohomepage 1200 shown in FIG. 6.

Additionally, after listening to the selected tracks 122, user 120 hasthe option of rating individual tracks 122. An exemplary rating systemof between one star (for a satisfactory performance) and five stars (foran exceptional performance) can be provided to any one track 122, forexample, one time per username. When a track 122 receives apredetermined number of stars, such as, for example, fifty (50) stars,the author of that track 122 will be awarded stars that can be used topurchase items, such as, for example, songs or hardware, through system100. Additionally, stars can be awarded based on the number of timesthat a particular user's tracks 122 are used to form cover songs.

Referring back to FIG. 6, user 120 can click on block 1220 to viewinformation about and correspond with “bandmates”. A bandmate is aperson whose tracks user 120 has used to mix a song or a person who hasused a track generated by user 120 to mix their own song. Clicking onblock 1220 generates an exemplary GUI 6200, shown in FIG. 25.

Block 6202 lists the user names of all users whose tracks user 120 hasused to record cover songs, along with the title of the song and thetype of track (i.e., rhythm guitar, bass, drums, etc.) that user 120 hasrecorded. Block 6204 lists the names of all users who have used tracksgenerated by user 120, along with the title of the song and the type oftrack that user 120 recorded. Block 6206 lists notifications to user 120regarding which users have recently used tracks generated by user 120 torecord a cover song. To return to user's homepage, user 120 clicks onblock 1428.

If user 120 clicks on the username of a bandmate, the personalinformation provided by the bandmate is shown to user 120 in exemplaryGUI 6400 shown in FIG. 26, which is similar in format to GUI 1162 shownin FIG. 5. To return to user's homepage, user 120 clicks on block 1428.

Additionally, cover songs an also be rated by user 120 in the samemanner as track 122. When a cover song receives a predetermined amountof stars, the cover song can be featured in a “virtual concert” withother cover songs. System 100 can advertise the date and time of theconcert in a banner advertisement throughout the various GUI that user120 scrolls through while using system 100 or, alternatively, system 100can transmit a mass e-mail or other electronic message to all members ofsystem 100 based on user accounts, which include an email address forall users 120. Further, system 100 may transmit a specialized message ore-mail to the member(s) whose songs and/or tracks are being played inthe concert. User 120 who submitted his/her cover song for play at theconcert will be provided an opportunity to “name” the band.

A concert may be a random collection of cover songs, a collection ofcover songs from a specific genre such as, for example, 1960's Britishinvasion, a collection of cover songs from a specific band such as, forexample, U2, or other types of collections. User 120 can attend theconcert by clicking on button 1208 on GUI 1200 in FIG. 6, which willgenerate an exemplary GUI 6500 shown in FIG. 27. In an exemplaryembodiment, the virtual concert can be an approximate predetermined timesuch as, for example, about an hour. Alternatively, the concert can be apredetermined number of songs such as, for example, fifteen (15) songs.The concert can start by showing the exterior of a known concert venue,such as, for example, Madison Square Garden in New York, which is shownin FIG. 27. Computer-generated video of the concert venue can be shownin the background, along with the avatars of all members who areattending the concert, showing them walking toward the doors of theconcert venue.

The computer-generated video can be provided from the point of view of aconcert attendee as he/she approaches the venue. As the concert attendeegets nearer, the doors to the venue can open to allow the concertattendee to “enter” the venue. The computer-generated video can changeto a front row seat at the concert, so that GUI presented to user 120 isthat of a concert stage 6602, shown in exemplary GUI 6600 in FIG. 28.Stage 6602 can be empty of performers, with maybe a drum kit and somemicrophones set up on stage 6602. Original songs can be played by system100 to entertain members until the start of the concert.

Each user 120 “attending” the concert can view the same video,regardless of when they click in to the concert. For example, a firstuser 120 who attends the concert two minutes before the start of theconcert will be shown the same video as a second user 120′ who attendsthe concert five minutes before the start of the concert. The separatevideos will “synch up” when the different users are viewing the emptystage 6602.

As the concert is about to begin, avatars represented by the memberswhose song will be played first enter the stage 6602, as shown inexemplary GUI 6700, shown in FIG. 29. Information about the members,such as, for example, their user name, location, age, favorite music,bands, etc. may be displayed, such as, for example, in a scrollingfashion in a text box 603 at the bottom of stage 6602. It is suggestedhowever, that no identifying information about the members be displayed,so that members can remain anonymous to other members who are viewingsystem 100. The name of the band can be displayed on a banner 6604located somewhere on stage 6602.

As each song is being played, the concert attendees have the option torate the quality of the song, such as, for example, by sliding a sliderbar 6608 that is displayed along the bottom of stage 6602. Slider bar6608 can be scaled from 0 to 100, with “0” meaning that the concertattendee does not like the song, and “100” meaning that the concertattendee likes the song very much. At the end of the song, applause canbe generated based on the average slider bar value generated by theconcert attendees. A song with a low score generates only a few claps,while a song with a high score generates thunderous applause.

In order to discourage unwanted recording of the concert or songs beingplayed at the concert, a periodic audible tone can be generated bysystem 100 during the play of each song. The tone is loud enough andlong enough to discourage recording of the concert or the songs, but issufficiently quiet enough and sure enough to allow listeners to listento the concert without being overly distracted by the tone.

Alternatively, an announcer can make announcements over the beginningand or and of the song to discourage recording of the song. For example,the announcer can announce the title of an upcoming song, announce thename of the band and/or the username of the person who mixed theupcoming or previous cover song, advertise a future concert, or othertypes of announcements that may provide information to the concertattendees.

Still alternatively, a concert can be generated by a user 120. Afteruser 120 has recorded a predetermined amount of cover songs, system 100transmits an e-mail message to user 120 that notifies user 120 that user120 is eligible to stage his/her own concert. If user 120 decides tostage a concert, user 120 selects a date and time on which the concertwill be performed. Optionally, user 120 may be required to pay a fee inorder to stage the concert. In order to encourage users to stage theirown concerts, however, system 100 can reward user 120 by awarding user120 with points that can be redeemed through system 100. For example,every one hundred concert attendees who listen to the concert may resultin user 120 being awarded a single point, up to a maximum number ofpoints.

Additionally or alternatively, as discussed above, concert attendees canrank the quality of songs throughout the concert. The amount of pointsawarded to user 120 may be determined by the ranking of each individualsong and/or the cumulative ranking of the entire concert. Similar to theconcert generated by system 100 above, a periodic audible tone can begenerated during the user-generated concert.

Because the users of system 100 may be located in time zones all aroundthe world, a user may be unable to “attend” a concert when it is firstperformed. A concert may therefore be played all people times over thecourse of a specific time period, such as a week, to enable usersmultiple opportunities to “attend” the concert. After this specific timeperiod has passed, the concert can be archived for users to “attend” ata later date. For example, a user can click on button 6502 shown inexemplary GUI the 6500 in FIG. 27 and type in a keyword to bring up theconcert. Because the concert has been archived, the user may be requiredto pay a fee to “attend” this archived concert.

A well-known artist can “sponsor” a concert by recording at least onetrack for a multiple of his/her songs and allowing other users to addremaining tracks which then can be mixed to form a cover versions of theartist's songs. For example, Elton John could provide vocal and keyboardtracks and allow users to provide other tracks such as, guitar, bass,and drums. The songs can be pieced together to form a concert.

In order to “attend” the concert, users may be required to pay a modestconcert fee, a portion of which can be directed to a charitableorganization sponsored by the well-known artist. As an incentive toreview the concert, the artist may play a new original song, such as asong to be included on a yet to be released album, or some otheroriginal song by the artist that he/she has never recorded before. Aspart of the advertisement for the concert, users can be informed thatthe concert will include a “world premiere” song by the artist that canonly be heard during the concert.

After user 120 has registered with system, user's credentials, orresume, 121 are posted in a “Classified” section 6802 of system 100 in acategory or categories of the user's choice. If desired, user 120 canadvertise his/her services in the “Classified” section by clicking onbutton 1214 on GUI 1200 shown in FIG. 6. Clicking on button 1214generates an exemplary GUI 6800, shown FIG. 30.

Categories 6804-6810 may be “looking for a band”, “band looking formembers”, “band looking for engineer”, or “band looking for artist”.Information about user 120 or user 120's band may be posted under user120's username. Such information may include the instrument that user120 plays, the number of tracks that user 120 has recorded, the averagerating for each of user 120's tracks, user 120's username, and anyautobiographical information that user 120 desires to add to hisprofile.

Additionally, the classifieds may include an “instruments and equipment”section 6812 that allows users to advertise instruments or equipmentthat they are trying to sell and/or purchase.

If user 120 responds to a classified ad of a band looking for a bandmember by clicking on “looking for a band” button 6804, user 120 cansubmit samples of tracks 122 that he/she has already recorded or songson which he provided a particular track. After clicking on the selectedband in category 6806, user 120 clicks on an “audition” button 6820,which notifies the person who placed the classified ad that user 120 isauditioning for the advertised position. The advertiser is providedlinks to user 120's tracks and allows the advertiser to listen to theselected track 122 by itself, with the original song, or with aplurality of other user—generated tracks that the advertiser selects.For example, if the advertiser is advertising for a bass player, theadvertiser can combine user 120's bass track along with other tracksgenerated by the advertisers other band members in order to determinehow user 120's bass track fits with the advertiser's tracks.

Alternatively, instead of waiting for a bass player to find the band,the band can search out bass players and ask them to join the band. Forexample, a user can click on “band looking for members” category 6806 tosearch out bass tracks for a particular song and, if the advertiserlikes a track from a particular bass player, advertiser can click on thebass player's screen name is displayed in category 6806 to find othertracks generated by that user. The band member looking for the bassplayer is directed to the bass player's home page (such as, for exampleexemplary GUI 1200 shown in FIG. 6). The advertiser can then click onany of those tracks and listen to the track to determine whether thatparticular bass player is a good fit for the band.

Still alternatively, the advertiser can provide a play list of songsthat he has recorded and perform a search for bass players who haverecorded tracks for those songs. The other users found in the search canbe listed according to the frequency of a particular user playing theselected songs. For example, a user who has recorded tracks for more ofthe selected songs will be listed higher than a user who has recordedtracks for less of the selected songs. A user 120 who is a member of aband is not necessarily restricted to being a member of only that band.Any user can be a member of any number of bands throughout system 100.

While it is possible for a musician to select tracks generated by otherusers in combination with tracks that the musician has recorded in orderto form cover songs, a user of system 100 may not necessarily haverecorded a track or even be a musician in order to form his/her owncover songs. This person may be merely a “spectator” who combines tracksgenerated by others as he/she sees fit in order to form his/her owncover songs.

As illustrated throughout the figures, such as, for example, in FIGS.3-16, 24, 26, advertisements, such as banner advertisements 1010 andside advertisements 1450, can be shown along the top or sides of anyGUI. Advertisements 1010, 1450 can be targeted to specific users basedon their physical location, as determined by their Internet Protocol(IP) address, cell phone area code, or address information previouslyinputted into system 100 by user 120. Alternatively, advertisements1010, 1450 can be targeted based on the type of musical instrument(s)that user 120 uses to upload his music onto system 100. For example, ifuser 120 uploads a drum track, then advertisement 1010, 1450 may bedirected to drum stores and/or drum accessories. As is well-known in theart, each time that user 120 clicks on advertisement 1010, 1450, theadvertiser pays the operator of system 100 a predetermined fee.

As user 120 uses various aspects of system 100, user 120 has theopportunity to accumulate stars that can be redeemed through system 100.For example, if user 120 rates another user's track or cover song, user120 may be awarded one star. Further, if user's 120 track or cover songis rated by other users, such as in step 1914 or step 1916, as shown inFIG. 8A, user 120 may be awarded stars, such as, for example, one pointfor a review of a track, two stars for an excellent review of the track,three stars for a review of a cover song, and five stars for anexcellent review of a cover song. Further, if the user's cover song isselected to be played in the virtual concert, user 120 may be awardedten stars. While exemplary values of star point awards are providedabove, those skilled in the art will recognize that other star pointvalues may be awarded.

The amount of stars that user 120 has earned may be shown in button 1210on GUI 1200, shown in FIG. 6. In order to redeem the stars, all paymentoptions for purchases throughout system 100 provide user 120 theopportunity to pay through their preloaded account or by redeemingstars. User 120 may use stars throughout system 100 such as, forexample, to purchase an original song to download, to purchase a coversong, to purchase hardware such as, for example, guitar strings or drumsticks, or to purchase other items that may be available for salethroughout system 100.

Additionally, stars may be “traded” for services. For example, a user120 who has accumulated, but not redeemed, his stars can contact anartist through category 6810 in GUI 6800 to generate an album or CDcover in exchange for stars. Alternatively, user 120 can contact a soundengineer through category 6808 in GUI 6800 to help mix tracks to form acover song, and award the engineer for his/her work with some of theuser's stars. The artist and the engineer can then redeem stars forother goods/services throughout system 100.

Additionally, a user 120 can compile his/her own cover song or use acover song created by another user and add video to that cover song togenerate a music video to the cover song. The user 120 can save thevideo in the same manner that a cover is saved as described above. FromGUI 1700 (illustrated in FIG. 7), user 120 can select “add video” button1206 c, which generates GUI 6850, shown in FIG. 31.

As user 120 plays a cover song that he/she has generated, videos6852-6860 associated with each individual track that were recorded andsaved to system 100 by the originator of each individual track areplayed in conjunction with the cover song. As user 120 clicks on aparticular video, that video is shown in a master video screen 6870, toallow user 122 “mix” different videos into a single compilation. User120 selects the cover song for which he/she would like to generate thevideo by clicking on button 6880, which generates a drop-down menu 6882of cover songs that user 120 has generated through system 100. User 120selects a desired cover song, whose title displayed in block 6884. Allof the videos 6852-6860 that have been generated with trackscorresponding to the tracks that comprise the selected cover song aredisplayed in GUI 6850. When user 120 is ready to generate his/her owncompilation video, user 120 clicks on button 6886. The cover song beginsto play and user 120 clicks on each of the individual videos 6852-6860as desired to form different scenes of the compilation video. After thecover song has played, user 120 can preview the compilation video onmaster video screen 6870 by clicking on button 6888. If user 120 issatisfied with the compilation video, user 120 can click on button 689to save the video to user's folder. If, however, user 120 is notsatisfied with the video, as user 120 previews the compilation video,user 120 can edit the compilation video by clicking on any of videos6852-6860, as the compilation video is being played, which will overlayand replace the clicked on video 6852-6860 over the previously compiledvideo.

In addition to music, system 100 allows artists an opportunity toshowcase their artistic talents. After logging in to system 100 asdescribed above, an artist may select button 1206 d from GUI 1700, whichgenerates GUI 6900 shown in FIG. 32. The artist may download apreviously produced piece of artwork, which is stored in a folder 710titled “Artwork,” that is shown schematically in FIG. 1. As is wellknown in the art, in order to download the artwork file, the artistclicks on a “browse” button 6902, which allows the artist to scrollthrough a “download artwork file” menu 6904. When the artist sees thetitle of the file that he/she would like to download, the artist clickson the file title, which saves the artwork file in folder 710 under theartist's username and the file title.

In order to access an artwork file saved in folder 710, a user 120 mayclick on a “Browse Artwork” icon 6910 in exemplary GUI 6900 to accessthe artwork in folder 710 and view available artwork. Repeatedlyclicking on icon 6910 scrolls through the artwork that is saved infolder 710. When user's 120 finds a piece of art that he/she would liketo use, user 120 clicks on the title of the art that is shown in button6912 and is given the option to save the artwork to his/her computer.When the artist's artwork is saved by another user 120, the artist isawarded stars that can be deemed throughout system 100 as describedabove.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a famous musical artist (orgroup) may be engaged to promote one or more of their songs withinsystem 100. System 100 can include an advertisement that the artist haslaid down a lead vocal track 110 a for a particular song. User 120 canthen lay down his/her own tracks in any of track categories 110 b-n andselect desired tracks 122 a-n with lead vocal track 110 a provided bythe artist or just select desired tracks 122 a-n with lead vocal track110 a provided by the artist for forming their own cover song in amanner similar to the method described above. User 120 can then downloada cover song with the artist singing lead vocal. Alternatively, if theartist is more widely knows for his/her instrumental ability rather thanhis/her vocal ability, the artist can lay down a musical track and letuser 120 lay down lead vocal track 110 a instead. A premium fee can becharged for user 120 to download this song, with at least part of thepremium fee going to the artist for his/her participation in system 100or, alternatively, at least part of the premium fee can be directed to acharity selected by the artist.

Still alternatively, the artist can select tracks 110 b-n that he/shewould like to combine with his/her vocal track 110 a to form a coversong with his/her own “band.” The users who generated selected tracks110 b-n can be informed that their track 110 b-n was selected via systemmessaging system 1230 (see FIG. 5) and that the song that was formedfrom those tracks will be featured “on stage” on a particular date andtime. The user's avatar will appear on stage with the avatar of theartist so that each selected user 120 can see his/her avatar “playing”with the artist. The users whose tracks 110 b-n have been selected canalso be rewarded with stars.

System 100 may be subsidized by advertisements displayed throughout thevarious GUI, as well as through the purchase of original songs as wellas cover songs by members of system 100. Further, system 100 maygenerate revenue by charging user 120 a fee to host his/her own concert,with the reward to user 120 being the awarding of dollars that can beused to purchase items through system 100 based on the number of peoplewho attends the concert. Further, system 100 can charge a nominal fee tousers to advertise in the classified section of system 100.

Examples of the operation of system 100 are discussed in detail belowand with respect to flowcharts 7000-7400 in FIGS. 33-37.

As shown in flowchart 7000 in FIG. 33, in step 7002, system 100electronically stores a plurality of song tracks 122 on server 102. Instep 7003, system 100 electronically separates each of the plurality ofsong tracks 122 into a plurality of track categories 110 a-110 j. Instep 7004, system 100 allows users 120 to upload a plurality of versionsof each track 122 on server 102 across an electronic network. In step7006, system 100 allows user 120 to select at least some of theplurality of versions from at least one of the plurality of trackcategories 110 a-110 j. In step 7008, system 100 combines the selectedversions. In step 7010, system 100 generates a cover song from theselected versions. In step 7005, before allowing user 120 to select atleast some of the plurality of versions, system 100 accepts anelectronic payment from user 120. In step 7012, system 100 stores theplurality of versions of each track in a first computer format andstores the cover song in a second computer format. In step 7011, system100 accepts an electronic payment from user 120 and allows user 120 tosave the cover song to server 102 and to download the cover song fromserver 102.

As shown in flowchart 7100 in FIG. 34, in step 7102, system 100 providesa digitized original song from server 102, across electronic network103, to a second location, such as a user's computer 105. In step 7104,system 100 allows user 120 to record a track 122 while playing theoriginal song at the second location. In step 7106, system 100 allowsuser 120 to play the recorded track 122 and the original songsimultaneously. In step 7105, system provides, between steps 7104 and7106, after providing the digitized original song and before allowing120 to record the track 122, the step of accepting an electronic paymentfrom user 120 to allow user 120 to download the original song. In step7108, system 100 allows user 120 to play track 122 and a track that wasrecorded by a second user simultaneously.

As shown in flowchart 7200 in FIG. 35, in step 7202, system 100electronically stores a plurality of cover tracks 122 for an originalsong on server 102. In step 7204, system 100 allows user 120 to select asmaller plurality of the cover tracks 122 across an electronic network,such as the Internet 103, at a second location, such as the user'scomputer 105. In step 7206, system 100 allows user 120 to omit a firstportion of one of the selected tracks. In step 7208, system 100 allowsuser 120 to generate a cover song from the selected tracks. In step7207, after step 7206 and before step 7208, system 100 allows user 120to omit a second portion of the selected track and a second portion ofanother of the selected tracks. In step 7210, system 100 saves the coversong onto server 102. In step 7212, system 100 charges an electronicpayment to download the cover song from server 102.

As shown in flowchart 7300 in FIG. 36, in step 7302, system 100 stores aplurality of cover songs on server 102. In step 7304, system 100 allowsusers to rate the quality of each of the cover songs. In step 7306,system 100 ranks the cover songs according to user ratings. In step 738,system 100 selects a number of the top-ranked cover songs according topredetermined criteria wherein the criteria comprise a natural number ora block of time. In step 7310, system 100 plays the number of thetop-ranked cover songs across the Internet 103 and displays auser-generated video simultaneously with each of the cover songs.

As shown in flowchart 7400 and FIG. 37, in step 7402, system 100 allowsuser 120 to select a plurality of songs to play from a plurality ofsongs in digital database 104. In step 7404, system 100 plays theplurality of songs in succession. In step 7406, system 100 allows aplurality of other users to listen to the songs as the songs are playedand rewards user 120 based on the number of the plurality. In step 7408,system 100 plays the plurality of songs and allowing the plurality ofother users to listen to the songs simultaneously. In step 7403, priorto playing the plurality of songs, system 100 accepts an electronicpayment from user 120.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarilymutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term“implementation.”

As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion.

Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as usedin this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

Moreover, the terms “system,” “component,” “module,” “interface,”,“model” or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. For example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program,and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application runningon a controller and the controller can be a component. One or morecomponents may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and acomponent may be localized on one computer and/or distributed betweentwo or more computers.

Although the subject matter described herein may be described in thecontext of illustrative implementations to process one or more computingapplication features/operations for a computing application havinguser-interactive components the subject matter is not limited to theseparticular embodiments. Rather, the techniques described herein can beapplied to any suitable type of user-interactive component executionmanagement methods, systems, platforms, and/or apparatus.

The present invention may be implemented as circuit-based processes,including possible implementation as a single integrated circuit (suchas an ASIC or an FPGA), a multi-chip module, a single card, or amulti-card circuit pack. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art,various functions of circuit elements may also be implemented asprocessing blocks in a software program. Such software may be employedin, for example, a digital signal processor, micro-controller, orgeneral-purpose computer.

The present invention can be embodied in the form of methods andapparatuses for practicing those methods. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of program code embodied in tangible media, suchas magnetic recording media, optical recording media, solid statememory, floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any othermachine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code isloaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machinebecomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The present inventioncan also be embodied in the form of program code, for example, whetherstored in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, loaded intoand/or executed by a machine, or transmitted over some transmissionmedium or carrier, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, throughfiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when theprogram code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as acomputer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention.When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program codesegments combine with the processor to provide a unique device thatoperates analogously to specific logic circuits. The present inventioncan also be embodied in the form of a bitstream or other sequence ofsignal values electrically or optically transmitted through a medium,stored magnetic-field variations in a magnetic recording medium, etc.,generated using a method and/or an apparatus of the present invention.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods setforth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the orderdescribed, and the order of the steps of such methods should beunderstood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may beincluded in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined,in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, arerecited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless theclaim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementingsome or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarilyintended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

Also for purposes of this description, the terms “couple,” “coupling,”“coupled,” “connect,” “connecting,” or “connected” refer to any mannerknown in the art or later developed in which energy is allowed to betransferred between two or more elements, and the interposition of oneor more additional elements is contemplated, although not required.Conversely, the terms “directly coupled,” “directly connected,” etc.,imply the absence of such additional elements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of recording music, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) electronically storing a plurality oforiginal songs on a server at a first location; b) allowing a first userto select one of the plurality of original songs from a second locationacross an electronic network; c) allowing the first user to play the oneof the plurality of original songs at the second location and to recorda user-generated track at the first location while the one of theplurality of original songs is playing; and d) saving only theuser-generated track on the server at the first location separate fromthe one of the plurality of original songs.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising storing the user-generated track in one of aplurality of predefined instrument categories.
 3. The method accordingto claim 2, further comprising allowing a plurality of additionaluser-generated tracks to be recorded and categorized in the plurality ofpredefined instrument categories.
 4. The method according to claim 3,further comprising allowing a second user to select at least one of theplurality of additional user-generated tracks to be combined by thesecond user to form a cover song.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein the one of the plurality of original songs has a start time andwherein the user-generated track has the same start time.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the one of the plurality of original songshas a time duration and wherein the user-generated track has the sametime duration.
 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising,after step d), allowing the first user to combine the user-generatedtrack with at least one other user-generated track to form a cover song.8. A recording system comprising a server located at a first location,the server containing a plurality of original songs in a first database,the server being electronically connected across an electronic networkto a recording site, wherein the server is adapted to simultaneouslytransmit one of the plurality of original songs across the network tothe recording site and to record a track being played at the recordingsite to a second database in the server, wherein the one of the originalsongs has a start time and wherein the track has the same start time. 9.The recording system according to claim 8, wherein the second databasecomprises a plurality of tracks stored in predefined musical instrumentcategories.
 10. The recording system according to claim 8, wherein theone of the original songs has a time duration and wherein the track hasthe same time duration.
 11. The recording system according claim 8,wherein the track is combinable with at least one other track at amixing site electronically connected to the second database across anelectronic network to form a cover song.
 12. The recording systemaccording to claim 11, further comprising a payment acceptance moduleelectronically connected to the second database and adapted to accept apayment from the mixing site.
 13. A non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium, having encoded thereon program code, wherein, when theprogram code is executed by a machine, the machine implements a methodfor recording music, comprising the steps of: a) electronically storinga plurality of original songs on a server at a first location; b)allowing a first user to select one of the plurality of original songsfrom a second location across an electronic network; c) allowing thefirst user to play the one of the plurality of original songs at thesecond location and to record a user-generated track at the firstlocation while the one of the plurality of original songs is playing;and d) saving only the user-generated track on the server at the firstlocation separate from the one of the plurality of original songs. 14.The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim13, wherein the method further comprises storing the user-generatedtrack in one of a plurality of predefined instrument categories.
 15. Thenon-transitory machine-readable storage medium according to claim 14,wherein the method further comprises allowing a plurality of additionaluser-generated tracks to be recorded and categorized in the plurality ofpredefined instrument categories.
 16. The non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein themethod further comprises allowing a second user to select at least oneof the plurality of additional user-generated tracks to be combined bythe second user to form a song.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium according to claim 16, wherein the method furthercomprises accepting an electronic payment across the electronic networkfrom the second user.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable storagemedium according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises,before step b), accepting an electronic payment across the electronicnetwork from the first user.
 19. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium according to claim 13, wherein the method furthercomprises, after step d), allowing the first user to combine theuser-generated track with at least one other user-generated track toform a cover song.